After immersing myself in the electric vehicle world with a leased 2024 Volvo Xc40 Recharge Twin Ultimate for the past month, I’m ready to share my comprehensive experience. Coming from a 2019 Chevy Bolt, my aim was to upgrade to a slightly larger vehicle with the added security of all-wheel drive. While the Bolt served its purpose, I was seeking a more refined and robust driving experience, hoping the XC40 Recharge would deliver. This review dives into the highs and lows of living with the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge, offering insights for potential EV buyers considering this premium electric SUV.
What Stands Out: The Praiseworthy Aspects of the XC40 Recharge
Driving Dynamics: The sheer driving pleasure of the XC40 Recharge is undeniable and was a significant factor in choosing it over competitors like the Ford Mach-E and Tesla Model Y. During test drives, the Volvo distinguished itself with its exceptional smoothness, near-silent operation, and readily available power. The one-pedal driving system is a standout feature, feeling significantly more intuitive and refined compared to both my previous Chevy Bolt and the Tesla Model Y. This seamless acceleration and deceleration truly elevates the driving experience.
Visibility and Awareness: While the sleek lines of the C40 were initially appealing, the XC40’s superior visibility quickly won me over. The rear window provides an expansive view, eliminating the claustrophobic feel some SUVs can have. The side mirrors are well-positioned, and the blind spot monitoring system has functioned flawlessly, providing an extra layer of safety and confidence on the road. While a minor rear blind spot is inherent to most SUVs, including the Bolt, the XC40 manages it effectively.
Interior Ambiance and Design: In a market where EV interiors often lean towards extremes – futuristic minimalism, overly complex interfaces, or stark space-age designs – the XC40 Recharge strikes a harmonious balance. The interior exudes Scandinavian elegance, thoughtfully blending physical buttons with intuitive touchscreen controls. This approach makes navigating the car’s functions straightforward and less distracting. The inclusion of a sunroof further enhances the cabin’s bright and airy feel, a welcome contrast to the darker interior color scheme, creating a genuinely pleasant environment to spend time in.
Seating Comfort: Comfort is paramount, especially on longer drives, and the XC40 Recharge seats deliver. The supportive and well-cushioned seats are a significant upgrade from the Chevy Bolt, where seat comfort felt like an afterthought. The XC40 prioritizes driver and passenger well-being, making even extended journeys a comfortable experience.
User-Friendly Mobile App: Although my experience with car apps is limited, the Volvo Cars app has impressed with its simplicity and functionality. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, and practical features like door-unlocked notifications provide genuine peace of mind. While there’s always room for expansion, the current app offering is a solid foundation and enhances the ownership experience.
Desirable Enhancements: Features the XC40 Recharge Could Benefit From
Heads-Up Display (HUD): The absence of a heads-up display is a notable omission, especially considering competitors like the Ford Mach-E offer this feature. HUDs are incredibly beneficial for projecting essential information like navigation prompts, speed, and media controls directly onto the windshield, minimizing driver distraction. Given that other Volvo models incorporate HUD technology, its exclusion from the XC40 Recharge feels like a missed opportunity to enhance both convenience and safety.
Wireless Apple CarPlay Connectivity: In today’s wirelessly connected world, the continued reliance on USB cables for Apple CarPlay feels outdated. The Ford Mach-E, among others, offers wireless CarPlay, simplifying the connection process and decluttering the center console. While wireless connectivity can sometimes be prone to glitches, the convenience and streamlined experience it offers are highly desirable, eliminating the need for cable management and potential wear and tear.
Enhanced Digital Driver Display Customization: The digital driver display behind the steering wheel currently seems limited to mirroring the navigation system. Expanding its functionality to display media information, charging status, and other vehicle data would significantly enhance its utility. Most contemporary vehicles offer greater customization of driver displays, providing a richer information ecosystem directly in the driver’s line of sight.
Traditional Start Button Functionality: The current system of initiating the XC40 Recharge by shifting into reverse or drive feels unconventional and somewhat cumbersome. A dedicated start button would offer a more intuitive and familiar user experience. Furthermore, the ability to power down the vehicle without needing to open the door would add a layer of convenience and refinement to the shutdown process.
Areas of Concern: Shortcomings of the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge
Inconsistent Media Playback: A minor but persistent annoyance is the need to manually press the play button each time when switching between media sources like Sirius XM, radio, or CarPlay. Seamless transitions between audio apps should be a standard expectation, and this extra step disrupts the flow of the infotainment experience.
Subpar Camera System: The camera system is arguably the weakest aspect of the XC40 Recharge, especially when compared to the surprisingly excellent cameras and sensors in my previous Chevy Bolt.
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Limited Camera Views: The infotainment screen should ideally display both the overhead 360-degree view and the front/rear camera feeds simultaneously. The current screen real estate is not fully utilized, with a static car graphic occupying valuable display space that could be used for enhanced camera perspectives.
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Parking Maneuvering Inefficiencies: When navigating parking spaces, the camera system should automatically transition from the rearview to the front view as the vehicle shifts from reversing to driving forward. Simultaneously displaying both overhead and front/rear views during parking maneuvers would significantly improve situational awareness and parking precision.
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Distorted Fisheye Camera: The fisheye camera view is noticeably distorted and offers a more limited field of vision compared to the Bolt and other vehicles equipped with front and rear cameras. Given the critical safety role of these cameras, their performance should be significantly improved for enhanced driver confidence and safety.
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Distorted Overhead View: The overhead camera view suffers from distortion, particularly around the vehicle’s periphery. This distortion compromises the accuracy and usability of the 360-degree view, making it less effective for precise maneuvering in tight spaces compared to systems like the one in the Chevy Bolt.
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Camera Override Issue: The rearview camera should consistently override any other infotainment display, particularly when reversing while using CarPlay. The current inconsistent behavior, where the camera view doesn’t always automatically engage, represents a significant safety oversight.
Unreliable Collision Avoidance System: While collision avoidance systems are designed to enhance safety, the XC40 Recharge’s system exhibits inconsistencies. In parking situations, particularly when backing out of diagonal spaces, the system’s alerts for oncoming traffic are unpredictable. It sometimes triggers warnings for vehicles at a safe distance while occasionally failing to detect vehicles that warrant an alert. The Chevy Bolt’s collision avoidance system demonstrated greater reliability and accuracy in similar scenarios.
Erratic Hands-Free Liftgate: The hands-free liftgate activation, triggered by kicking under the rear bumper, is unreliable and works intermittently. Successful activations are less frequent than failures, falling short of the consistent performance observed in systems like the one on a Honda CR-V.
Inconsistent Keyless Lock: The keyless lock feature, a convenience I appreciated on my Bolt, is less dependable on the XC40 Recharge. Multiple touches are sometimes required to activate the locking mechanism, diminishing the seamlessness expected from a keyless entry system.
The “Ugly” Truth: An Unsettling Driveway Issue
As detailed in another post, my XC40 Recharge has exhibited a concerning issue of surging forward unexpectedly when initially placed in reverse on my sloped driveway. This unpredictable behavior is not only unsettling but also potentially dangerous. I am actively working with the dealership and Volvo Customer Service to diagnose and resolve this problem urgently. This is a significant issue that needs immediate attention and resolution.
Final Verdict: A Qualified Recommendation for the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge
Do I regret leasing the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge? In retrospect, considering the available alternatives at the time of my decision – the Ford Mach-E, Tesla Model Y, Nissan Ariya, and Kia EV6 – the XC40 Recharge still felt like the most compelling choice overall. It delivers a premium driving experience with a refined interior and comfortable ride. However, the shortcomings, particularly concerning the camera system, collision avoidance inconsistencies, and the alarming driveway surging issue, prevent me from offering an unqualified recommendation at this juncture.
I intend to communicate my wishlist and concerns to Volvo Customer Service, hoping that software updates can address some of the identified issues and that future iterations, such as the EX40, will incorporate these points for improvement.
For current and prospective 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge owners and lessees, your insights are invaluable. Please share your likes, dislikes, and wishlist items in the comments below. Your experiences and perspectives can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the XC40 Recharge and potentially help other drivers navigate their EV journey.
